John F. Kennedy Center Set for Major Name Change to Trump-Kennedy Center, Per Administration Announcement.
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The board of trustees of the iconic performing arts venue has approved a measure to change its name the Trump-Kennedy Center, per an announcement by the White House.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt declared online that the board's vote was unified, attributing it to "the unbelievable work President Trump has done over the last year in preserving the building."
"This is destined to be a truly great team long into the future! The building will no doubt achieve new levels of success and grandeur," Leavitt noted.
The planned renaming is expected to be deeply divisive, particularly in Washington, D.C., where the center has stood as an beloved institution since its founding and christening for President John F. Kennedy.
Background of the Center
Soon after assuming the presidency, President Donald Trump replaced all the center's incumbent trustees and installed supporters in their positions. The reconstituted board then voted to name Trump the chairman.
The president later secured approximately $257 million in congressional funding to cover significant upgrades and other financial needs at the aging venue.
Original Concept
The vision for a federal performing arts center was first proposed in the 1950s. Following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the 35th president, in 1963, the future venue was named in his honor.
This is a developing story. Further context will be provided shortly.
